Cancer Prevention: What You Need To Know

Alcohol and Cancer

Alcohol may contribute to a number of medical problems including hepatitis, cirrhosis, heart disease and cancer. Alcohol consumption has been linked with cancer of the mouth, throat, breast, esophagus, liver, colon and rectum.

Three percent of all cancers are oral cancers. Approximately 30,000 new cases are diagnosed in the United States each year. Over 8,000 deaths due to oral cancer will occur each year in the US. Oral cancers occur in the mouth and the back of the throat, the tonsil, tongue, lip and voice box. The most important risk factors for oral cancers are the use of alcohol and tobacco. They account for 75% of oral cancer in the U.S. One study found even moderated drinkers and smokers increase their chances of getting a cancer of the head or neck 15-fold. Another study found those who drink hard liquor had higher rates of esophageal cancer.

A positive association between alcohol use and breast cancer has been seen in recent studies. The National Cancer Institute has published in its Breast Cancer Prevention statement that "exposure to alcohol may be associated with increase breast cancer risk". This statement comes about because more than 50 epidemiological studies in the last 10 years have found small to moderate increases in the risk of breast cancer associated with drinking alcoholic beverages.

Alcohol damages cells. It is this cell damage that causes cancer. Alcohol depletes vitamin A and selenium, which may have a general protective effect against cancer. Alcohol also decreases the body's ability to fight off cancer by compromising the immune system, and irritating the lining of internal organs.

What Can I Do to Prevent the Problem?

Avoid alcoholic beverages, or drink no more than four alcohol containing beverages per week. Within 10 years, your risk for oral cancer will be as low as a non-drinker.

Where Can I Get More Information?
University of Iowa Resources

• University of Iowa's Chemical Dependency Services
• University of Iowa Cancer Information Service (1-800-237-1225)

Other Resources

• Alcoholics Anonymous
• Local hospitals and mental health facilities

If you would like more information on alcohol and cancer or to obtain phone numbers to the above organizations, please contact the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cancer Information Service (1-800-237-1225) or e-mail: cancer-information@uiowa.edu.

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